Book Club- Anyone?

In December Pastor Todd and I attended a seminar for Indiana area United Methodist pastors on the issues surrounding the topic of sexuality, homosexuality and same-sex marriage.

One of the panelist's in the afternoon made a very complimentary and positive reference to the 2014 book (pictured on the left), Finding Our Way: Love and Law in the United Methodist Church.  I just ordered my copy.  All royalties of this book will support our denomination's "Imagine No Malaria" campaign to rid Africa of malaria.

Eight United Methodist bishops (from across the globe and theological spectrum) contributed to this book which was edited by Neil Alexander and retired (now deceased) Bishop Reuben Job. Moreover, there is an ongoing conversation with other written materials from other UM bishops (including our Indiana area bishop) on the www.ministrymatters.com

Here is what Cokesbury says on their website as a content description of Finding Our Way...

"Questions and conflict about homosexual practice and the church abound. We encounter media reports of same-gender unions and clergy trials. This leads to talk in congregations and district preacher's meetings, in the hallways at district, conference and general church gatherings, and in the deliberations of the Council of Bishops where we hear prayers, questions, and an outpouring of conviction or anguish.

We observe The United Methodist Church grappling with issues of importance that divide and confound us. We hunger for our church to engage hard questions and decisions in a spirit of generosity, gracefulness, and mutual respect.

This book could change the nature of the conversation. It encourages frank and constructive dialogue that will help us conference together and open ourselves to God's guidance. We seek faithful, fair, just, and loving resolution to issues that challenge our faith community.

Finding Our Way: Love and Law in The United Methodist Church is authored by several United Methodist bishops. These writers enunciate and clarify pathways that represent faithful, responsible, and constructive ways forward through the current controversies. Each bishop articulates a prescription for moving through current conflict about homosexual practice, same-gender unions, qualifications for ordination, and maintaining the "good standing" of elders. Go to www.ministrymatters.com/FindingOurWay  to read the introduction and to comment."